Perinatal Mental Health
Birth parent mental health is complex, delicate, and, unfortunately, not well-understood. Research is just now starting to invest in understanding the impact that hormonal fluctuations and other neurochemical changes have on an expectant parent.
Approximately 85% of birth parents will experience some mood disturbance in the postpartum period. Often related to hormones and referred to as “the baby blues,” these symptoms are relatively mild and pass quickly. However, approximately 20% of individuals will develop postpartum depression or anxiety, 9% will develop PTSD, 4% will experience OCD, 3% will face Bipolar Disorder, and 1-2 birth parents out of 1000 will experience postpartum psychosis.
Additionally, approximately 33% of birth parents will experience symptoms during pregnancy, with 27% of people entering pregnancy with historical diagnoses of anxiety and or depression.
All of these statistics are here to remind you that you are not alone. There is nothing wrong with you. You are not “crazy” or a bad parent. Biological changes combined with significant environmental, intrapersonal, and interpersonal changes create fertile ground for mood disruption and mental health issues. Please, ask for help. You are not alone. Below is a list of resources to help you learn more about perinatal mental health, particularly during the postpartum period, and where you can find help and support.
Get Help
Emergency Assistance
A mental health (MH) emergency occurs when you, or those around you, are worried about your ability to keep yourself and/or those around you safe. Typically, MH professionals are referring to an inability to keep yourself/others safe from physical harm, though there are instances when erratic behavior also qualifies (in the case of a psychotic or manic episode). If you think you are experiencing a mental health emergency, here is who to contact.
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-852-6262
Mental Health Hotline: Text HOME to 741741
Suicide Hotline: 988
In Massachusetts, anyone can access 24/7 emergency mental health services by calling 877-382-1609, listening to the recorded message, and entering your zip code. You will be transferred to your closest Community Behavioral Health Center and a mental health professional that works with that organization. These professionals can provide immediate evaluation for what your needs are, over the phone or in person, up to and including hospitalization, and can help you navigate whatever your next steps are. No insurance required.
Non-Urgent
Postpartum Support International
PSI is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping connect individuals and families in the perinatal period find mental health and peer support. To connect with an advocate, call or text 800-944-4773 between 8am-11pm EST. They will help figure out what kind of assistance/resources may be a good fit
https://postpartum.net/get-help/
MCPAP for Moms
If you are having trouble finding mental health support, particularly someone who can prescribe medication, or are feeling overwhelmed at the thought, you may talk to your OB or Pediatrician about MCPAP for Moms. MCPAP for Moms is a consultation service for physicians/medical providers to help broaden access to maternal mental health support. They can provide resource information and assistance as well as temporary psychiatric evaluation or medication management (when appropriate). Any provider can call MCPAP for Moms Monday-Friday 9am-5pm at 855-666-6272.
Education
MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health
https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/postpartum-psychiatric-disorders-2/
Postpartum Support International
https://postpartum.net/perinatal-mental-health/
Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance